Councilman seeks 4% pay hike for lower-paid workers

MURFREESBORO — City government workers at the bottom of the pay scale could get a bigger percentage pay increase than those at the top if Councilman Eddie Smotherman has his way.

Smotherman hopes the majority of the seven-member Murfreesboro City Council will agree to provide up to a 4 percent pay increase to those making less than $35,000 to help them "make ends meet."

His plan would also give up to a 3 percent pay increase for those making between $35,000 and $70,000, and 2 percent for those above $70,000.

Smotherman did not propose his idea during the City Council's Thursday night meeting about the proposed $148.3 million budget for a fiscal year that starts July 1. He said after the meeting that he'll bring up his raise idea following the public hearing next week that will be part of a 7 p.m. Thursday meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall.

The 2 percent pay raise that Murfreesboro City Manager Rob Lyons recommends for a government with 820 full-time workers at this time will cost about $950,000, Lyons said after the meeting.

Rob Lyons(Photo: Submitted)

If the City Council also decided to give Lyons, the highest-paid worker, a 2 percent pay increase, he'd be adding $3,342 to his salary of nearly $167,080.

A 2 percent increase for a worker making $25,000 a year would be $500. A 4 percent pay increase for that same worker would be another $1,000, which would still be less than what the city manager will get at 2 percent, Smotherman said.

"We have to look at the budget and give out raises fairly," said Smotherman, who estimates that about $200,000 would be needed to cover his raise proposal. "If we have the money, we have to do everything we can to help out those lower-income workers. I want to spread whatever it is we have fairly."

Smotherman said he's also willing to take the $950,000 for the 2 percent raises and convert the money into flat bonuses for all 820 workers, which would mean nearly $1,159 more per employee.

"I'm not trying to come across as Robin Hood here, but I think fair is fair," said Smotherman, noting that percentage increases always benefit those on the top end of the pay scale. "That is in no way fair to our lower-income employees."

Lyons after the meeting said he has not studied the details about Smotherman's raise proposal and has only discussed the idea in passing with the councilman.

The pay raises would be capped to match whatever the lowest-paid worker above $35,000 makes after a 3 percent raise or whatever the lowest-paid worker above $70,000 makes makes after a 2 percent raise, Smotherman, said.

He will be able to count on the support of Councilwoman Madelyn Scales Harris.

She noted after Thursday night's meeting that she's been an advocate for improving the pay for the lowest-earning workers since she joined the City Council in 2010 because they face a harder time with the rising cost to buy bread and milk.

"When they go in the store, they are paying the same price," said Harris, adding that she's worried how the lower-paid workers will be able to afford the 4 percent increase for their health insurance premiums.

"Are they really getting an increase or are they further in the hole?" Harris said.

Contact Scott Broden at 615-278-5158. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden.

Public hearing

The Murfreesboro City Council will hold a public hearing about its proposed $148.3 million budget during a meeting that starts at 7 p.m. Thursday in Council Chambers on the first floor of City Hall, 111 W. Vine St. Prior to the public hearing, the City Council also will tweak its budget at 5 p.m. Thursday, and then hold a public comment meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Those interested in speaking can call 615-849-2629 for details.